One of the "myths" on the web site _DVD Demystified_ deals with DVD being
a worldwide standard. Here's what Jim Taylor (author of the book _DVD
Demystified_ published by McGraw-Hill) says about this topic:

"In addition to regional codes that can be used to prevent playback in
different areas, DVD uses different formats for NTSC or PAL playback.
Almost no US players can play PAL DVDs. Most European players can play
both PAL and NTSC TVs, but only on a 60-Hz-capable PAL TV or a
multistandard TV. Most DVD-equipped computers can play both NTSC and PAL
discs."